Golf ball position marker assembly

ABSTRACT

A golf ball position marking assembly that includes a marker removably secured to a decorative or functional accessory item such as a ring, pendant, clip, belt, key ring, bracelet, buckle, divot tool, or the like. The marker is magnetically secured to a base in such a way that a golfer can quickly and easily detach it to mark the position of a golf ball, and as easily re-attach it when the time comes to play. The assembly is made of any suitable material, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites. If desired, it can include decorative or functional indicia such as precious stones, decorative etching or enameled ornamentation, the user&#39;s name or initials, memorable dates, advertising material, tournament logos, or golf club logos.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/989,836, filed Nov. 15, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/418,971, filed Sep. 2, 2003, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,984,183, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/834,871, filed Apr. 12, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,039, whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/552,388, filed on Apr. 19, 2000, now abandoned, and acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/409,325,filed Sep. 30, 1999, now abandoned, which Ser. No. 09/552,388 claims thepriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/130,246,filed Apr. 19, 1999, and which Ser. No. 09/409,325 claims the priorityof U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/102,617, filed onOct. 1, 1998. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/919,038 filed Aug. 16, 2004. The entiretyof each of the above is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a golf ball position marker assemblythat includes a wearable or nonwearable accessory item such as a ring,pin, belt buckle, golf bag or glove, key ring, divot tool, clip, or thelike. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf ballposition marker assembly wherein a ball marker is quickly and easilyattached to an accessory item, and as quickly removed therefrom for use.

2. Discussion of Background

During a golf game, a golfer must sometimes move his or her ball asideto permit another golfer to putt. On these occasions, the golfer whomoves a ball places a marker on the green to identify the originalposition of the ball so that it can be replaced in the same spot. Manygolfers use whatever small items they happen to have available as ballmarkers, including coins, buttons, and the like; others prefer specialmarking devices that can be stored with other golf equipment or attachedto their clothing. For purposes of this specification, the terms “golfball position marker,” “position marker,” “ball marker,” “marker” andthe like are used interchangeably to refer to any device used to markthe position of a golf ball. Typical markers are generally flat,disc-like objects; some have posts that project a short distance intothe soil when the marker is in use.

Many different types of golf ball markers are available, some of whichare combined with other tools useful to golfers (clocks, compasses, windindicators, divot repair tools, and so forth). Several devices includepermanent magnets for securing a marker when it is not in use. Forexample, Balloon's golf ball position marker apparatus consists of aferrous metallic disc mounted to a magnetized housing, which in turn ismounted to a wrist strap, spring clip, or post mount (U.S. Pat. No.5,135,220). The housing may also include a wind indicator.

Cayman discloses a golf ball position marker and storage device that canbe worn on a waistband (U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,500). This device includes aplastic or metal clip, a magnet with an outwardly-projecting knobaffixed to the front of the clip, and a removable, magnetized markerwith a central throughhole that fits over the knob for storage when notin use. The marker is larger than the magnet, thus, the user can easilygrasp the edges of the marker to pull it away from the magnet.

Ludwick shows a combined golf ball position marker and carrier whichincludes a belt clip (U.S. Pat. No. 3,233,802). The carrier is molded ofhigh-density polyethylene or polystyrene and has two recessed areas inthe front, each recess containing a magnet and partially surrounded by ashallow rim. The recesses hold markers made of a magnetic material suchas zinc iron alloy. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,208,123), Koos discloses a beltbuckle with a magnetic element for holding a golf ball marker. Thebuckle may also have ornamental features such as crossed golf clubs thatare provided for aesthetic appeal.

Hait's golfing aid consists of a pin with a magnet for holding a markingdevice. The marking device itself is preferably a stainless steel discwhich can be engraved with the owner's initials or some other decorativefeatures (U.S. Pat. No. 3,139,690). Schaper discloses a belt buckle witha recess for a permanent magnet that secures a marker in position (U.S.Pat. No. 3,136,547). The marker itself is formed with a peripheralflange that helps prevent it from slipping off the face of the magnet.

Fazekas provides a multi-purpose golf tool with a recess for holding aball marker (U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,208). A raised magnetic post in thecenter of the recess holds the marker in position. By pushing down onone edge of the marker, the user tilts and lifts the marker up over theedge of the recess to slide it forward into position. Suzuki's golf ballposition mark assembly includes a permanent magnet; the marker has aprojection to assist the user in removing it for use, and also to fix iton the ground (U.S. Pat. No. 3,923,215).

Devices with storage for two markers are also known. Tate shows such adevice, which has two separate magnet-containing recesses for twoequally-sized markers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,999). The magnets occupy lessthan the entire peripheral areas of their respective recesses, thus,pressing the edge of a marker tilts the opposing edge out of its recess.The marker may have a central post that fits into a correspondingaperture in the magnet (U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,683). Buckman's device hastwo magnet-containing recesses on opposing sides of a ground repair tool(U.S. Pat. No. 4,315,624).

Markers have been attached to golf equipment such as putters. Forexample, Bayer's putter has includes magnets, a recess dimensioned forholding a marker made of magnetized material, and an opening in thebottom surface that is slightly smaller than the diameter of a golf ball(U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,426). When a ball enters the opening, it trips themarker from the magnet, causing the marker to fall out and mark theposition of the ball. Kepler shows a tournament-type putter with amarker and a ball retrieval-retainer structure that allows the user topick up balls without bending over (U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,430).

Another type of device has holes or slots dimensioned for receiving thepost of a marker. For example, McDonald's combined golf green repairtool and timepiece includes peripheral holes for attaching items such asa keychain and ball marker (U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,134). The back of thetimepiece is attached to the central portion of the tool, above thetines; the marker is inserted into one of the peripheral holes. Smithprovides a golf marker and tee caddy consisting of an S-shaped clip withslots for holding markers and tongues for holding golf tees (U.S. Pat.No. 4,475,676). This device can be clipped onto a golf bag or the user'sclothing (lapel, waistband, etc.)

Markers can be combined with divot tools or other devices useful togolfers, as shown by Tate (U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,683). Here, a divot toolis formed with a shallow, concave ball marker seat that contains a diskof magnetic material having a central opening. A ball marker can beremovably seated on top of the magnetic material, with the marker post(if present) extending through the opening.

Doubt (U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,928) shows a golfer's combination tool whichcan be used as a shoe horn, divot repair device, and a prop for a golfclub when the user wishes to keep the handle away from the ground. Thedevice includes a small center hole into which the user can insert astandard golf ball marker. Hatch (U.S. Pat. No. 3,620,426) discloses acombination golf green repair tool and ball marker with a carrier. Hisdevice consists of a flat body member with a handle at one end andprongs at the other end, a hole for inserting a marker, and a carrierwith a spring clip that can be attached to a pocket or belt. The stem ofthe marker may be mounted via a rubber grommet. Bury's detachablemountable pendent has a horseshoe-shaped clamp designed for holdingtokens, cards, discs, etc. as well as golf ball markers (U.S. Pat. No.3,339,300). The inside edge of the clamp is formed with a groove intowhich the user can slide a disc-shaped object such as a marker. Thedevice can be attached to the user's clothing with a clip.

Position markers can be attached to jewelry items such as tie tacks andbracelets. For example, Balloon's magnetic marker (described above) canbe attached to a post mount. Stacavich-Notaro's golf ball marker,described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,616 has a hook-and-loop material(VELCRO or the like) on the bottom surface so that the marker can beattached to a disk that has a top surface covered with a matinghook-and-loop material. The device can be attached to a golf club shaftor a tie tack. Furin (U.S. Patent D252,289) shows a golf ball markerband in the form of a bracelet.

Sihn's golf ball marker carries a variety of decorative elements such asgems, engraved initials, etc. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,103). The bottom ofthe marker includes a rounded stud that allows the user to secure themarker to a golf glove, lapel button hole or the like; the stud alsohelps secure the marker in position on a green.

My provisional application Ser. No. 60/130,246, shows a device whereinat least one position marker is magnetically attached to the accessoryitem in such a way that a golfer can quickly and easily slide it fromthe item to mark the position of a golf ball, and as easily re-attach itto the item when the time comes to play the ball and move on. Themagnets are positioned so that a golfer can operate the device with onehand: to dislodge a marker from the device, he simply taps the deviceagainst a convenient object (or releases it with his thumbnail), thenslides it off and positions it on the green.

Golf ball position markers are preferably quite small in size (generallyno larger than a quarter), light in weight, easy to carry, and easy tohandle. Due to their small size, markers are easy to overlook andtherefore easy to lose. Thus, a useful marker should be readily visiblewhen placed on a green. Visibility is also desirable since stepping onor walking across the line of another golfer's putt to the hole isconsidered to be a breech of etiquette. Despite the wide variety ofmarkers that are available to golfers, there is a continuing need for apractical, aesthetically pleasing position marking device that is easyto attach to—and equally easy to remove from—a decorative or functionalaccessory such as a ring, tie tack, bracelet, key holder, belt buckle,divot tool, clip, or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf ball position marking assemblythat carries at least one golf ball position marker removably secured toa fastener which may be carried by an accessory item. The ball marker ismagnetically attached to the accessory item in such a way that a golfercan quickly and easily detach and use it to mark the position of a golfball, and as easily retrieve and re-attach it when the time comes toplay the ball.

One aspect of the present invention provides a fastener which securesthe marker to the accessory item. The fastener may be a magnetized seatfor holding markers made of magnetized metal, and may also include athroughhole for securing post-type markers or removing disk-typemarkers. Alternatively, the fastener may be a metal seat that secures aremovable magnet which holds the marker.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an accessory item,which may be any selected decorative or functional article including butnot limited to a clip, pendant, bracelet, pin, watchband, ring, hatbandornament, belt buckle or money clip, divot repair tool, or key ring. Thepresent invention is envisioned as being used with wearable items anditems that can be attached to clothing (shirts, jackets, trousers orskirts, golf gloves and golf shoes, belts and belt loops, jewelry,hatbands, etc.), and with non-wearable articles such as golf bags, golfclubs, tote bags, golf carts, and so forth.

Another aspect of the present invention provides versatility. A golfball position marking assembly according to the invention may include awide range of wearable and nonwearable accessory items, and thecomponents of the assembly can be made of virtually any desiredmaterial. By way of example, a pendant or charm formed for carrying theball marker can be made of base or precious metals, ceramics, compositematerials, or durable plastics such as LUCITE™ and PLEXIGLAS™. A markerused with the invention can itself can be made of gold, silver, or othermetal, or take the form of a favorite coin, golf club token, or othersuitably-dimensioned item. The marking assembly (or markers usedtherewith) can include decorative or functional indicia such as preciousor semiprecious stones, decorative etchings or enameled ornamentation,small coins, the user's name or initials, memorable dates, tournamentlogos, or golf club logos. When decorated with club or tournament logos,the invention is a collectible item such as the special logo balls thatare prized by many golfers.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a golf ball positionmarking assembly which has a body and an insert. The body has a topsection and a bottom section attached to the top section. The insert isat least one of a magnet or a magnetic material which is enclosed by thetop section and the bottom section. The marker is at least one of amagnet or a magnetic material so as to be attracted to the insert, sothat the marker is held against the body by the insert but is easilyremovable when desired.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface and asupport having a second surface, the second surface is higher than thefirst surface, with the insert at least partially beneath the secondsurface, and the marker is removably held against the second surface bythe insert.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface, asupport having a second surface, and a recess beneath the secondsurface, the second surface is higher than the first surface, the insertis at least partially within the recess, and the marker is removablyheld against the second surface by the insert.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface and asupport having a second surface, the second surface is higher than thefirst surface, the insert is at least partially beneath the secondsurface, and the marker is removably held against the second surface bythe insert, and the bottom section includes a support having a firstsurface, and a second surface, the second surface of the bottom sectionis higher than the first surface of the bottom section, and the insertis also at least partially above the second surface of the bottomsection.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface, asupport having a second surface, and a recess beneath the secondsurface, the second surface is higher than the first surface, the insertis at least partially within the recess, and the marker is removablyheld against the second surface by the insert, and the bottom sectionincludes a support having a first surface, and a second surface, thesecond surface is higher than the first surface, and the insert also isat least partially above the second surface of the bottom section.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface and asecond surface, the second surface is lower than the first surface toform a recess, the insert is at least partially beneath the secondsurface, and the marker is removably held at least partially within therecess by the insert.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface, asecond surface and a first recess beneath the second surface, the secondsurface is lower than the first surface to form a second recess, theinsert is at least partially within the first recess, and the marker isremovably held at least partially within the second recess by theinsert.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface and asecond surface, the second surface is lower than the first surface toform a recess, and the marker is removably held at least partiallywithin the recess by the insert, and the bottom section includes a firstsurface and a second surface, the second surface is lower than the firstsurface to form a recess, and the insert is at least partially withinthe recess in the bottom section.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface, asecond surface and a first recess beneath the second surface, the secondsurface is lower than the first surface to form a second recess, and themarker is removably held at least partially within the recess by theinsert, and the bottom section includes a first surface, and a secondsurface, the second surface is lower than the first surface to form arecess, and the insert is at least partially within the first recess ofthe top section and at least partially within the recess of the bottomsection.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface and asecond surface, the second surface is lower than the first surface andextending to an edge of the top section so that the first surfacedefines shoulders about a portion, but not all, of the second surface,the insert is at least partially beneath the second surface, and themarker is removably held against the second surface and the interior ofthe shoulders by the insert.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface and asecond surface, the second surface is lower than the first surface andextending to an edge of the top section so that the first surfacedefines shoulders about a portion, but not all, of the second surface,and the marker is removably held against the second surface and theinterior of the shoulders by the insert, and the bottom section includesa first surface and a second surface, the second surface is lower thanthe first surface to form a recess, and the insert is at least partiallywithin the recess in the bottom section.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface, asecond surface, and a recess beneath the second surface, the secondsurface is lower than the first surface and extending to one edge of thetop section so that the first surface defines shoulders about a portion,but not all, of the second surface, and the marker is removably heldagainst the second surface and the interior of the shoulders by theinsert, and the bottom section includes a first surface and a secondsurface, the second surface is lower than the first surface to form arecess, and the insert is at least partially within the recess of thetop section and the recess of the bottom section.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface, asecond surface, the second surface is lower than the first surface toform a recess, and a third surface which is lower than the first surfaceand is higher than the second surface to form a ledge within the recess,and the marker is removably held at least partially within the recessand against the ledge by the insert.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the top section ofthe golf ball position marking assembly includes a first surface, asecond surface, the second surface is lower than the first surface toform a first recess, a third surface which is lower than the firstsurface and is higher than the second surface to form a ledge within thefirst recess, and a second recess beneath the second surface, the insertis at least partially within the second recess, and the marker isremovably held at least partially within the first recess and againstthe ledge by the insert.

The present invention also provides a golf ball position markingassembly which has a body and an insert. The body has a first surface, asecond surface which is lower than the first surface to form a firstrecess, a third surface which is lower than the first surface and ishigher than the second surface to form a ledge within the first recess,and a fourth surface which is lower than the third surface to form asecond recess. The insert is held at least partially within the secondrecess. The marker is removably held at least partially within the firstrecess and against the ledge by the insert.

The present invention also provides a golf ball position markingassembly which has a body, a retainer, and a subcarrier assembly. Thebody has a top section and a bottom section attached to the top section,the top section includes a first surface, a support having a secondsurface, the second surface is higher than the first surface, a recessbeneath the second surface, and a hole connecting the second surface tothe recess, and the bottom section includes a first surface and asupport having a second surface, the second surface is higher than thefirst surface, the support having a hole of a predetermined depthdefined therein. The retainer is at least partially within the recessand also is at least partially above the second surface of the bottomsection, the retainer having a hole defined therein which extendsthrough the retainer. The subcarrier assembly has a subcarrier and aninsert, the subcarrier having a recess in the top surface and a post ofa predetermined length extending from the bottom of the subcarrier. Theinsert is at least one of a magnet or a magnetic material and is held atleast partially within the recess of the subcarrier. The marker is atleast one of a magnet or a magnetic material so as to be attracted tothe insert and is removably held against the subcarrier assembly by theinsert. The post goes through the hole connecting the second surface tothe recess, through the hole in the retainer, and at least into the holein the support, and the retainer grips the post to hold the subcarrierassembly to the body.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that, if an object isto be attached to the golf ball position marking assembly and the objecthas a hole therein for attachment, then the height of the support isselected to accommodate the depth of the object, and at least one of theradius and shape of the support are selected to allow the support to gointo the hole in the object.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that, if an object isto be attached to the golf ball position marking assembly and the objecthas a hole therein for attachment, then the height of the support isselected to accommodate the depth of the object, and at least one of theradius and shape of the support are selected to allow the support to gointo the hole in the object, and at least of the radius and shape of thesubcarrier are selected to hold at least part of the object between thesubcarrier and the body.

The present invention also provides a golf ball position markingassembly which has a body, a retainer, and a subcarrier assembly. Thebody has a top section and a bottom section attached to the top section,the top section includes a first surface, a second surface, the secondsurface being lower than the first surface to form a first recess, asecond recess beneath the second surface, and a hole connecting thefirst recess to the second recess, and the bottom section includes aninner surface, a bottom surface, and a hole connecting the inner surfaceto the bottom surface. The retainer is at least partially within therecess and has a hole defined therein which extends through theretainer. The subcarrier assembly includes a subcarrier and an insert,the subcarrier includes a recess in the top surface, and has a post of apredetermined length extending from the bottom of the subcarrier. Theinsert is at least one of a magnet or a magnetic material and is held atleast partially within the recess of the subcarrier. The marker is atleast one of a magnet or a magnetic material so as to be attracted tothe insert, the marker being removably held against the subcarrierassembly by the insert. The post goes through the hole connecting thefirst recess to the second recess, through the hole in the retainer, andat least into the hole in the bottom section, and the retainer grips thepost to hold the subcarrier assembly to the body.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the bottom sectionfurther includes a concave area surrounding the hole through the bottomsurface to allow the post of the subcarrier to be pushed upward toloosen the subcarrier from the body.

The present invention also provides that the bottom section of a golfball position marking assembly may include an extended area having ahole defined therein for removably attaching the golf ball positionmarking assembly to a desired object.

The present invention also provides that the top section and the bottomsection may define a groove at their exterior intersection.

The present invention also provides that where the top section and thebottom section define a groove at their exterior intersection there mayalso be a clip, at least a portion of which is located within thegroove, the clip being to attach the golf ball position marking assemblyto a desired object.

The present invention also provides that where the top section and thebottom section define a groove at their exterior intersection there mayalso be a clip, at least a portion of which is located within thegroove, the clip being a shower ring to attach the golf ball positionmarking assembly to a desired object.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the DetailedDescription of a Preferred Embodiment presented below and accompanied bythe drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and back views, respectively, of a golf ballposition marker assembly according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1C is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1A, showing analternative magnetic insert;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the body of the assembly of FIG.1A, taken along the lines 2B-2B of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B shows the assembly of FIG. 2A with an alternative magneticinsert;

FIG. 3A is a front view of another golf ball position marker assemblyaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 3A, takenalong the line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A;

FIGS. 3C and 3D are cross-sectional views of additional embodiments ofthe golf ball position marker assembly of FIG. 3A;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate additional golf ball marker assembliesaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bracelet according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a belt clip according to the present intention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of another marker assembly according to theinvention; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another marker assembly according tothe invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the invention, referencenumerals are used to identify structural elements, portions of elements,surfaces or areas in the drawings, as such elements, portions, surfacesor areas may be further described or explained by the entire writtenspecification. For consistency, whenever the same numeral is used indifferent drawings, it indicates the same element, portion, surface orarea as when first used. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings areintended to be read together with the specification, and are to beconsidered a portion of the entire written description of this inventionas required by 35 U.S.C. Section 112. As used herein, the terms“horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” as well asadjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof, refer to the relativeorientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawingfigure faces the reader.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-C, there is shown a golf ball position markerassembly 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Assembly 10 includes a retainer for holding a ball marker, inthe form of a body 12 with full or partial rim 14 about a recessed base16 on the front side of body 12, a magnetized insert 18 at leastpartially covering base 16, and a generally U-shaped clip 20 with a loop22 and outwardly-projecting end portions 24 a, 24 b. The back side ofbase 16 (FIG. 1B) has formed therein a recess 26 between sections 28 a,28 b, with channels 30 a, 30 b for receiving ends 24 a, 24 b of clip 20,generally as shown. A central throughhole 32 may extend through insert18 and base 16.

Insert 18 may be mounted to the surface of base 16 (FIG. 2A), or beplaced in a suitably-dimensioned recess 34 (FIG. 2B). When installed onrecessed base 16, a disc-shaped ball marker 36 is held securely inposition by insert 18. Insert 18 may substantially cover base 16 asshown in FIG. 1A, or partially cover the base as shown in FIG. 1C. Ithas been found that assembly 10 is especially easy to manipulate whenused with an insert 18 of this latter type, that is, an insert that issomewhat smaller than a typical ball marker. Insert 18, when present, isgenerally flat, disc-shaped, or ring-shaped. However, otherconfigurations may also be useful for the practice of the invention.

As noted above, insert 18 at least partially covers base 16. Insert 18may be approximately circular as shown in FIG. 1A, partial-circular asshown in FIG. 1C, or indeed any other desired shape. The optimumdimensions of insert 18 depend on the particular material selected forthe insert and the size and weight of marker 36 to be used therewith.Thus, the optimum dimensions (width, thickness, overall shape) of insert18 are best selected by a modest degree of experimentation in view ofthe materials used for manufacturing assembly 10.

Alternatively, insert 18 may be a nonmagnetized metal disc that holds aremovable magnet 40 (FIGS. 1A and 2A). In this embodiment of theinvention, insert 18 is a metal disc that at least partially covers base16. Insert 18 may be press-fitted into a suitable recess in base 16,attached to the base by any suitable adhesive, or molded or assembledwithin the base. Magnet 40 can be of any size that fits base 16 andsecurely holds a ball marker. Magnetized or nonmagnetized inserts 18 canbe used with any of the embodiment of the invention described herein, asmay be preferred. Magnet 40 may be coated on one or both sides withTEFLON™ or other suitable coating, for example, a coating 42 as shown inFIG. 2A. Coating 42 may be applied by painting, spraying, dipping, orother suitable technique. An assembly 10 that includes a throughhole 32can be used with the type of ball marker having a post on one side.Preferably, throughhole 32 has a diameter such that, when assembly 10 isused with a post-type marker, the post fits snugly within thethroughhole so that the ball marker can be securely held in positionwith an exposed end of a post 38 projecting somewhat beyond body 12(FIG. 2B). These types of markers can be either magnetic ornon-magnetic, thus, insert 18 may be optional for an assembly 10 usedsolely with post-type, nonmagnetic ball markers. However, insert 18 ispresent when assembly 10 is intended for use with metal disc-type ballmarkers such as marker 36 shown in FIG. 2A.

Clip 20 is preferably made of a somewhat springy or resilient material,allowing the user to remove the clip from body 12 simply by compressingends 24 a, 24 b together and withdrawing the ends from channels 30 a, 30b. In addition, clip 20 can be rotated by 180 degrees, if desired.Assembly 10 can be used as a paper clip, bookmark or the like;alternatively, assembly 10 can be clipped to a belt, waistband, orhatband, or worn as a pendant. If desired, assembly 10 may include ahook 40 (FIG. 1B).

Another golf ball position marker assembly 50 according to the inventionincludes a body 12 with a rim 14 about a base 16, a magnetized insert 18of any convenient size and shape, and a clip 56 fitted in a generallycircumferential channel 58 about the perimeter of body 12 (FIGS. 3A and3B). Body 12 may include an optional enlarged portion 100 that serves asa stop for limiting rotation of body 12 on clip 56; portion 54 may carrydecorative or functional indicia if desired. Portion 54 may include athroughhole 100 into which clip 65 or a chain (not shown) may beinserted.

Clip 56 may be fixed in position in channel 58; however, in a preferredembodiment of the invention, body 12 rotates freely on the clip, limitedonly by portion 54 (if present). Clip 56 is preferably a type of clipthat can be readily opened and closed via a catch 60, such as the typesof clips used to hold keys and the like. Like above-described clip 20,clip 56 is made of a somewhat springy, resilient material, preferablymetal.

Assembly 50 may include a magnetized insert 18 that partially coversbase 16 as shown in FIG. 3A; alternatively, an insert 18 such as thatshown in FIG. 1A may be used if preferred. Insert 18 may include athroughhole 32 for use with post-type ball markers. Insert 18 may bemounted to the surface of base 16 as shown in FIG. 2A above, or in arecess such as recess 34 (FIG. 2B). If desired, a second recess 62 ofany convenient diameter may be formed in the back of assembly 50. Secondrecess 62, if present, may be used for holding a second, post-type ballmarker (not shown) while a first, disc-type ball marker is installed oninsert 18. Above-described assembly 10 may also be fitted with a secondrecess 62 if desired.

Additional configurations of insert 18 may also be useful. For example,insert 18 may be a somewhat smaller, ring-type magnet mounted in arecess 34 (FIG. 3C). Alternatively, recess 16 may include a raisedshoulder 64 defining recess 34 and a second recess 66 (FIG. 3D). Insert18 is placed in second recess 66, press-fitted in place or secured inposition by a suitable adhesive.

Additional golf ball position marker assemblies 70 and 80 are shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. Assembly 70 has a body 72, a magneticinsert 18 in a recess 74, and a clip 76. Assembly 80 has a body 82 witha recess 84 that holds a magnetic insert 18, and a pair of approximately“T”-shaped cutouts 84 a, 84 b positioned on opposing sides of body 82.The resulting projections 86 a, 86 b allow the user to attach assembly80 to a belt loop or the like. In addition, projections 86 a, 86 b canbe used in the manner of divot repair tools.

Magnetic insert 18 may be secured to base 16 by an adhesive, or maysimply be press-fitted into position into a suitably-dimensioned recess(such as recess 26, FIG. 2A). As noted above, the shape and dimensionsof insert 18 may vary considerably within the scope of the invention.Thus, assemblies 70 and 80 may include any of the inserts 18 describedabove, and such others as may be evident to those of ordinary skill inthe art. Magnetic insert 18 may cover substantially all of the surfaceof base 16, or a part thereof if preferred Optionally, insert 18 mayinclude a throughhole 32 for use with post-type ball markers.

Body 12 of assembly 10, and bodies 52, 72, 82 of assemblies 50, 70, 80,respectively, can be made of virtually any durable material, includingmetals, plastics (including clear plastics such as LUCITE andPLEXIGLAS), ceramics, and composite materials.

A marking device according to the present invention can be used withother decorative and/or functional articles, including but not limitedto accessories such as pendants, tie or collar pins, hat pins or hatbandornaments, belt buckles, bracelets, golf club shafts, binder clips, keyrings, towel rings, divot tools, golf equipment, and so forth. Forexample, a bracelet 90, such as the bracelets favored by many athletes,may carry a ball marker 36 in a retainer such as body 12 (FIG. 6). Here,body 12 may be positioned anywhere convenient on bracelet 90, includingthe position shown in FIG. 6.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, ball marker 36 canbe secured to money clip such as 110 (FIG. 7). Clip 110 can be attachedto wearable items such as a bracelet, wristband, hatband, waistband, orbelt; alternatively, the clips can be used as money clips or be attachedto a golf bag or golf cart. It will now be evident that an assemblyaccording to the present invention may include a wide range of accessoryarticles in addition to those described above.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8,which shows a golf ball position marker assembly 120 having a body 12with a rim 14 about a base 16 (similar to above-described assembly 50),a magnetized or nonmagnetized insert 18, and a clip 122 fitted in agenerally circumferential channel 58 about the perimeter of body 12. Ifdesired, body 12 may include an optional enlarged portion 54 and asecond recess 62 as described above. In a preferred embodiment, body 12rotates freely on clip 122, limited only by portion 54 (if present).

Clip 122 has an upper portion 124 and a lower portion 126, generally asshown. One of portions 124, 126 may include a catch 128. Like clips 20and 56, clip 122 is made of a somewhat springy, resilient material,preferably metal.

Body 12 in all embodiments of the invention may include a throughhole130, a side slot 132, or both (FIG. 8). The user can remove a golf ballposition marker from body 12 by inserting the tip end of a golf tee orother suitable object into throughhole 130 and pushing. If body 12 has aslot 132, the user can slide the marker from body 12 after removing clip122, which serves as a retainer to hold the marker and body 12 together.

In use, assembly 120 may be carried in the user's pocket or may beattached to a golf bag, belt, or other accessory. Alternatively,assembly 120 can be used as a hanger for items such as towels, which canbe inserted through one of portions 124, 126 while the other portion ishung on a hook, shower rod, or the like.

Still another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 9, whereinbody 12 has a recess 140 fitted with a metal disk 18. A removable magnet40 at least partially covers disk 18; ball marker 36 is secured bymagnet 40. Insert 18 may be press-fitted into recess 140, attached tothe base by any suitable adhesive, or molded or assembled within thebase. Magnet 40 can be of any suitable size, and that securely holds aball marker. As noted above, magnet 40 may be coated on one or bothsides with TEFLON™ or other suitable coating.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly 10. Theassembly has a top (or front) section 91, a bottom (or rear) section 92,and an insert 18. The top section 91 has a top surface 11, a supportledge or raised or protruding area 63 with a top surface area 13, a rim14A, an inner surface 17A, an inner recessed cavity 53, a ceiling or endsurface 95 of the cavity 53, and a support ledge 58A. The bottom section92 has a rim 14B, an internal support 15 comprising a post 15B ending ina top surface 15A, an inner surface 17B, a back surface 19, a supportledge 58B, and a tab 21 having a through-hole 130. The insert 18, whichmay also be considered to be an attractor with respect to the marker 36,is in the cavity 53 and may be held there by any desired and appropriatemeans, such as, for example, by bonding it to the ceiling 95 or theledge 15A by an adhesive, such as glue or epoxy, by a press-fit, or itmay be simply held there by the internal support 15. The insert 18 mayalso be loose so that it can move around slightly in the space definedby area 53. The insert 18 may be a magnet, or a material attracted to amagnet, such as iron or steel. The marker 36 is made of a material thatis attracted to the insert 18. For example, if the insert is a magnet,the marker may be a material attracted to a magnet or may also be amagnet. Conversely, if the insert 18 a material attracted to a magnet,then the marker 36 would be a magnet. The insert 18 thus holds themarker 36 on the surface 13 of the support 63. Of course, the insert 18could also hold the marker 18 against the back surface 19. However, dueto the cavity 53 and the internal support 15, the insert 18 is closer tothe surface 13 than it is to the surface 19. Thus, marker 36 willpreferentially be attracted to the surface 13. Further, the magneticproperties of the insert 18 may, if desired, be made sufficiently weakthat the marker 36 is held only weakly to the surface 19 and easilydislodged, but is held reasonably firmly to the surface 13 so may stillbe conveniently dislodged when desired, such as to separate the marker36 from the assembly 10 so that the marker can be placed in use. Themagnetic attraction between the insert 18 and the marker 36 providesanother advantage in that if the marker 36 is lying loose in thegolfer's pocket, the assembly 10 can be manipulated or moved about inthe golfer's pocket, either manually or by shaking the pocket, and theball marker would secure itself onto the ledge 13.

The top section 91 and the bottom section 92 may be held together by anydesired means, for example, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, mating parts,friction between the walls of cavity 53 and support 15, or othertechnique.

When the top section 91 and the bottom section 92 are held together thesupport ledges 58A, 58B and the rims 14A, 14B form a circumferentialchannel or groove 67, which may be used with a clip, for example, theclip 56 of FIG. 3A or the clip 122 of FIG. 8, to secure the assembly andthe marker to the golfer's clothing or some other desired article, suchas a golf bag. The clip 56 may be a custom clip or may be areadily-available article, such as a metal shower ring having a size andshape which match those of the body 12. The clip 56 should extend beyondthe end of any tab 21 and/or should extend outward in another locationwith respect to the body 12 so as to provide a gap between the clip 56and the body 12 for inclusion of part of the object to which theassembly is to be attached.

The tab 21 and the hole 130 also allow the assembly and the marker to besecured by a clip, cord, strap, ring, key ring, keychain, etc., to thegolfer's clothing or other desired article. Although only one tab 21 isshown, there may be two or more tabs, if desired.

An assembly 12 having both the groove 67 with the clip 56 and the tab 21with the hole 130 is extremely versatile and can be attached to andremoved from most any desired object with minimal effort. Of course, theuse of either the groove 67 or the tab 21 is optional.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly 10. Thisembodiment is somewhat similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10Bbut differs in that the top section 91 has a recessed area 34 which hasa floor 93, and the bottom section 92 has a recessed area 89 which has afloor 94. The insert 18 is enclosed in at least one of the two recessedareas 53, 89. If desired, the insert 18 may be held in place in one ofthe recessed areas by any desired and appropriate means. The insert 18may also be loose so that it can move around in the area defined byareas 53, 89.

The recessed area 34 is sized to accommodate the marker 36. The sizepreferably, but not necessarily, matches the size of the marker 36 sothat the top of the marker 36 is not above the top surface 11 to reducethe likelihood of inadvertent removal of the marker 36. To facilitateintentional removal of the marker 36, the top section 11 has severalnotches, depressions, or cutouts 23 so that an object may be insertedinto a notch 23 to conveniently remove the marker 36. The size of anotch 23 will depend upon how it is intended to be used, for example,with a golf tee, a fingernail, a pen, a knife blade, or other suitableobject. The notches 23 may all be the same, or may be different sizesand shapes, so as to accommodate different objects for removal of themarker 36.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly 10. Thisembodiment is somewhat similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11Bbut differs in that the top section 91 has a portion removed so that therecessed area 34A and the floor 93 are not closed but are partly open.The top section 91 thus has a slotted area 25 which is formed by theshoulders 64 of the remaining recessed area 34A, and by the extendedfloor 93. The marker 36 may be conveniently slid into and out of theslotted area 25, and is held in place in the slotted area 25 by theunderlying insert 18.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly 10. Thisembodiment is somewhat similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11Aand 11B, but differs in that the bottom section 92 has neither aninternal support 15 nor a recessed area 89, so the inner surface 17B isnot discontinuous, and in that the top section 91 has the internalsupport 63 of FIGS. 10A and 10B, and both the recessed area 34 and floor93 of FIGS. 11A and 11B. The internal support 63 is located within therecessed area 34 and, preferably, but not necessarily, has a chamfer ortapered sides 29. In this embodiment the marker 36 is held by the insert18 against the surface 13 of the support 63 but above the floor 93. Themarker 36 may be removed by pressing down on one side of the marker,which causes the marker 36 to pivot on the support 63 and raise theopposite edge, thereby allowing the marker 36 to be easily removed.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly 10. Thisembodiment is somewhat similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 13A and 13B,but differs in that there is no recessed area 53. In this embodiment,the sections 91 and 92 may be two pieces which are bound together in anydesired manner, or may be formed as a single piece. The top section 91has the recessed area 34, the floor 93, and the support or pedestal 63,preferably but not necessarily with the chamfer or tapered sides 29. Inaddition, the support 63 has a recessed area 55 therein defined by thesurface or shoulders 13, the recessed area 55 having a floor 46. In thisembodiment the insert 18 is held in the recessed area 55 by any desiredmeans. In this embodiment the marker 36 is held in the recessed area 34,and against the support 63 and/or the insert 18, by the magneticattraction between the marker 36 and the insert 18. The marker 36 may beremoved by pressing down on one side of the marker, which causes themarker 36 to pivot on the support 63 and raise the opposite edge,thereby allowing the marker 36 to be easily removed.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly 10. The bottomsection 92 is similar to that of FIGS. 10A and 10B but differs in thatthe internal support 15 has a hole 43 formed therein, and in that theremay not be a ledge 58B around the rim 14B. The hole 43 may be a shallowhole or a though-hole, as desired. The top section 91 is similar to thatof FIGS. 10A and 10B but differs in that there may not be a ledge 58Aaround the rim 14A, and in that the support 15, or the ceiling 95 of therecessed area 53, has a hole 96 formed therein. Also, in thisembodiment, the object in the recessed area 53 is preferably not theinsert 18, but is preferably a retainer 27 having a hole 59 definedthrough it. The retainer 27 may be a grommet, o-ring, washer, or otherinsert made of an appropriate material for the purpose described below.The retainer 27 may be, for example, rubber, wood, plastic, etc., andmay be any desired and appropriate shape.

In this embodiment, the assembly also includes, or may be used with, asubcarrier 35, which has a post, peg, stem, or protrusion 33 extendingfrom the bottom side, has a recessed area 57 in the top side, and mayhave an overhang or lip 61. The post 33 is removably insertable into thehole 96 of top section 14A, through the hole 59 of the retainer 27, andinto the hole 43. The hole 43 need only be deep enough to accommodatethe intended depth of penetration of the post 33. The subcarrier 35 isheld in place by the retainer 27 gripping the post 33. Preferably, thesubcarrier 35 is held in contact with the face 13 of the support 63. Therecessed area 57 encompasses the insert 18. The insert 18 may be held inplace in the recessed area 57 by any desired means 31. The subcarrier35, means 31, and insert 18 may be considered to be a subcarrierassembly 37. Finally, the marker 36 is held in place by the insert 18.The marker 36 is preferably thus held against the face 48 of thesubcarrier 35. This allows the marker 36 to be conveniently removed byusing, for example, a finger to slide the marker 36 along the face 48,or by grabbing the marker 36 along its edges. However, if desired, therecessed area 57 may be sufficiently large that part or all of themarker 36 is within the recessed area, in which case the marker 36 maybe removed by some other method, for example, prying it out.

Also shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B is a cross-sectional edge view of partof a carried object 41, such as a golf towel. Preferably, the height ofthe support 63 is at least as great as the depth of the carried object41. In the embodiment shown, the carried object 41 has a hole 49 formedtherein. If the carried object 41 is a golf towel then the hole 49 willbe surrounded or defined by a metal or other grommet 39 sized to have aninternal radius approximately equal to or larger than the externalradius of the support 15. This allows the object 41 to be convenientlycarried along with the marker 36. The object 41 may be used as is, orthe assembly 37, including the marker 36, may be easily removed from theassembly 10 by simply pulling it away, thereby releasing the object 41for other purposes, for example, to clean some other object which wouldbe difficult to clean if the assemblies 10 and/or 37 were attached, orso that towel 41 can be washed. Although the embodiment shown hereindoes not have a groove 67, it may have the groove if desired. Likewise,although the other embodiments are shown as having a groove 67, it maybe eliminated if desired.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a marker assembly 10. The bottomsection 92 is similar to that of FIGS. 10A and 10B but differs in thatit does not have the internal support 15 of FIGS. 15A and 15B, but doeshave a hole 43 formed in the bottom section 92. The hole 43 may be ashallow hole or a though-hole, as desired. In addition, if desired, thebottom surface 19 may have a concave area 45 formed therein. The topsection 14A is similar to that of FIGS. 11A and 11B but differs in thatthere is a hole 96 formed therein which connects recessed areas 34 and53. Also shown are the subcarrier assembly 37 and the marker 36. Thehole 96 is sized to conveniently accommodate the post 33 of thesubcarrier 35. There is also a retainer 27 having a hole 59 definedtherein, as in FIGS. 15A and 15B, which is preferably enclosed withinthe recessed area 53. The retainer 27 grips the post 33 so as to holdthe subcarrier assembly 37 in place, partially or completely within therecessed area 34. The depth of the recessed area 34 may be selected toencompass, as desired, part of the subcarrier 35, all of the subcarrier35 and part of the marker 36, or, preferably, all of both the subcarrier35 and the marker 36. With the preferred depth, the top surface of themarker 36 is even with or below the top surface 11 of the top section14A. The marker 36 is conveniently removed by pressing the end of thepost 33 protruding from the bottom surface 19. This raises thesubcarrier assembly 37 so that the marker 36 is above the surface 11,where it can be conveniently slid off or picked off the assembly 37. Themarker 36 can also be removed by any other desired method.

If desired, the recess 34 may be made deep enough to hold two or moremarkers 36, limited primarily by the ability of the insert 18 to holdthe markers in place in normal use.

It should be noted that it is not necessary to implement all of thevarious embodiments and aspects of the present invention to obtain someof the benefits of the present invention. The various aspects andembodiments thus may be used alone and/or combined, as desired.

Variations of the various embodiments of the present invention are alsopossible and will be suggested to those of skill in the art afterreading the specification and inspecting the drawings. For example, thetop section of one embodiment may be used with the bottom section ofanother embodiment, for example, the bottom section of FIGS. 10A and 10Bmay be used with the top section of FIGS. 11A and 11B. Further, two topsections may be used together without a bottom section, for example, twotop sections in accordance with FIGS. 11A and 11B. Other combinationsare also possible and contemplated, but, for brevity, are not listedhere.

Also, with respect to FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B, the subcarrier 35may, if desired, be a ball marker of the type which has a post 33extending therefrom. In this case, the insert 18 would be part of theball marker, and would preferably be a magnet, but could be a materialthat is attracted to a magnet, if an additional ball marker 36 is to beused. If an additional marker 36 is not being used then the insert 18may be a non-magnetic material.

As will now be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art, thepresent invention contemplates a ball marker that can be removablysecured to a variety of different decorative and/or functional articles.Other suitable articles for use with the invention include a binderclip, a key ring or towel ring, a padlock, and accessories such as awatch fob, a wristwatch, a pendant or charm, a belt slide, etc. Ifdesired, a golf ball position marker assembly according to the inventionmay be equipped with other golfer's accessories such as divot repairtools and tee carriers.

In use, ball marker 36 is removed from assembly 10 (or other assemblyaccording to the present invention) and placed in position on theputting surface of the green to mark the position of the user's ball.When it is time for the user to play, marker 36 is retrieved andre-attached to assembly 10, and the ball is placed on the green forplay.

For some golfers, a golf ball position marker assembly according to thepresent invention may be a collectible item equivalent to golf logoballs and other golf-related collectibles. Many--perhaps most--peopleare collectors. Golfers in particular collect balls bearing the logos offamous golf clubs or golf courses, balls from courses they have playedthemselves, special-edition balls from tournaments, balls autographed bycelebrities and champion golfers, and special balls such as those thathave been used to play a hole-in-one.

The components of the invention can be made of virtually any convenientmaterials, including base and precious metals, ceramics, and durableplastics (LUCITE, PLEXIGLAS, and the like). The assembly may carrydecorative or informational indicia such as precious stones, decorativedesigns, the user's name or initials, numbers, product brand names ortrademarks, or golf club logos. It may include favorite jewels, coins,etc. that are removably installed in assembly 10 (or another assemblyaccording to the invention) to serve as ball markers when so desired.Magnetized insert 18, when present, may be made of ferrous metal orother suitable materials, including rubber or plastic materialscontaining ferrous particles.

With respect to the above description of the invention, it is to berealized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of theinvention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readilyapparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalentrelationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing description is considered as illustrative onlyof the principles of the invention. Further, since numerousmodifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact constructionand operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitablemodifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within thescope of the invention. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that many changes and substitutions can be made to the preferredembodiment herein described without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A golf ball position marking assembly (10), comprising: a body havinga top section (91), a bottom section (92) attached to the top section,and an insert (18), the insert being at least one of a magnet or amagnetic material, the insert being enclosed by the top section and thebottom section; and a marker (36), the marker being at least one of amagnet or a magnetic material so as to be attracted to the insert, themarker being removably held against the body by the insert.
 2. The golfball position marking assembly of claim 1 wherein the bottom sectionfurther comprises an extended area (21) having a hole (130) definedtherein for removably attaching the golf ball position marking assemblyto a desired object.
 3. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim1 wherein the top section and the bottom section define a groove (67) attheir exterior intersection.
 4. The golf ball position marking assemblyof claim 1 wherein the top section and the bottom section define agroove (67) at their exterior intersection, and further comprising aclip (56), at least a portion of the clip being located within thegroove, the clip being to attach the golf ball position marking assemblyto a desired object.
 5. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim1 wherein the top section and the bottom section define a groove (67) attheir exterior intersection, and further comprising a clip (56), atleast a portion of the clip being located within the groove, the clipbeing a shower ring and being to attach the golf ball position markingassembly to a desired object.
 6. The golf ball position marking assemblyof claim 1, wherein the top section comprises a first surface (11) and asupport (63) having a second surface (13), the second surface beinghigher with respect to the first surface, the insert being at leastpartially beneath the second surface, and the marker being removablyheld against the second surface by the insert.
 7. The golf ball positionmarking assembly of claim 1, wherein the top section comprises a firstsurface (11), a support (63) having a second surface (13), and a recess(53) beneath the second surface, the second surface being higher withrespect to the first surface, the insert being at least partially withinthe recess, and the marker being removably held against the secondsurface by the insert.
 8. The golf ball position marking assembly ofclaim 1, wherein: the top section comprises a first surface (11) and asupport (63) having a second surface (13), the second surface beinghigher with respect to the first surface, the insert being at leastpartially beneath the second surface, and the marker being removablyheld against the second surface by the insert; and the bottom sectioncomprises a support (15) having a first surface (15A), and a secondsurface (17B), the second surface of the bottom section being higherwith respect to the first surface of the bottom section, the insert alsobeing at least partially above the second surface of the bottom section.9. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 1, wherein: the topsection comprises a first surface (11), a support (63) having a secondsurface (13), and a recess (53) beneath the second surface, the secondsurface being higher with respect to the first surface, the insert beingat least partially within the recess, and the marker being removablyheld against the second surface by the insert; and the bottom sectioncomprises a support (15) having a first surface (15A), and a secondsurface (17B), the second surface being higher with respect to the firstsurface, the insert also being at least partially above the secondsurface of the bottom section.
 10. The golf ball position markingassembly of claim 1, wherein the top section comprises a first surface(11) and a second surface (93), the second surface being lower withrespect to the first surface to form a recess (34), the insert being atleast partially beneath the second surface, and the marker beingremovably held at least partially within the recess by the insert. 11.The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 1, wherein the topsection comprises a first surface (11), a second surface (93) and afirst recess (53) beneath the second surface, the second surface beinglower with respect to the first surface to form a second recess (34),the insert being at least partially within the first recess, and themarker being removably held at least partially within the second recessby the insert.
 12. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 1,wherein: the top section comprises a first surface (11) and a secondsurface (93), the second surface being lower with respect to the firstsurface to form a recess (34), and the marker being removably held atleast partially within the recess by the insert; and the bottom sectioncomprises a first surface (17B) and a second surface (94), the secondsurface being lower with respect to the first surface to form a recess(89), the insert being at least partially within the recess in thebottom section.
 13. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 1,wherein: the top section comprises a first surface (11), a secondsurface (93) and a first recess (53) beneath the second surface, thesecond surface being lower with respect to the first surface to form asecond recess (34), and the marker being removably held at leastpartially within the recess by the insert; and the bottom sectioncomprises a first surface (17B), a second surface (94), the secondsurface being lower with respect to the first surface to form a recess(89), the insert being at least partially within the first recess of thetop section and at least partially within the recess of the bottomsection.
 14. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 1,wherein: the top section (91) comprises a first surface (11) and asecond surface (93), the second surface being lower with respect to thefirst surface and extending to an edge of the top section so that thefirst surface defines shoulders (64) about a portion, but not all, ofthe second surface, the insert being at least partially beneath thesecond surface, and the marker being removably held against the secondsurface and the interior of the shoulders by the insert.
 15. The golfball position marking assembly of claim 1, wherein: the top section (91)comprises a first surface (11) and a second surface (93), the secondsurface being lower with respect to the first surface and extending toan edge of the top section so that the first surface defines shoulders(64) about a portion, but not all, of the second surface, and the markerbeing removably held against the second surface and the interior of theshoulders by the insert; and the bottom section comprises a firstsurface (17B) and a second surface (94), the second surface being lowerwith respect to the first surface to form a recess (89), the insertbeing at least partially within the recess in the bottom section. 16.The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 1, wherein: the topsection (91) comprises a first surface (11), a second surface (93), anda recess (53) beneath the second surface, the second surface being lowerwith respect to the first surface and extending to one edge of the topsection so that the first surface defines shoulders (64) about aportion, but not all, of the second surface, and the marker beingremovably held against the second surface and the interior of theshoulders by the insert; and the bottom section comprises a firstsurface (17B) and a second surface (94), the second surface being lowerwith respect to the first surface to form a recess (89), the insertbeing at least partially within the recess of the top section and therecess of the bottom section.
 17. The golf ball position markingassembly of claim 1, wherein: the top section (91) comprises a firstsurface (11), a second surface (93), the second surface being lower withrespect to the first surface to form a recess (34), and a third surface(13) being lower with respect to the first surface and being higher withrespect to the second surface to form a ledge within the recess, and themarker being removably held at least partially within the recess andagainst the ledge by the insert.
 18. The golf ball position markingassembly of claim 1, wherein: the top section (91) comprises a firstsurface (11), a second surface (93), the second surface being lower withrespect to the first surface to form a first recess (34), a thirdsurface (13) being lower with respect to the first surface and beinghigher with respect to the second surface to form a ledge within thefirst recess, and a second recess (53) beneath the second surface, theinsert being at least partially within the second recess, and the markerbeing removably held at least partially within the first recess andagainst the ledge by the insert.
 19. A golf ball position markingassembly (10), comprising: a body (91, 92) having a first surface (11),a second surface (93), the second surface being lower with respect tothe first surface to form a first recess (34), a third surface (13)being lower with respect to the first surface and being higher withrespect to the second surface to form a ledge within the first recess,and a fourth surface (46) being lower with respect to the third surfaceto form a second recess (55), the insert being held at least partiallywithin the second recess, and the marker being removably held at leastpartially within the first recess and against the ledge by the insert.20. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 19 wherein thebottom section further comprises an extended area (21) having a hole(130) defined therein for removably attaching the golf ball positionmarking assembly to a desired object.
 21. The golf ball position markingassembly of claim 19 wherein the top section and the bottom sectiondefine a groove (67) at their exterior intersection.
 22. The golf ballposition marking assembly of claim 19 wherein the top section and thebottom section define a groove (67) at their exterior intersection, andfurther comprising a clip (56), at least a portion of the clip beinglocated within the groove, the clip being to attach the golf ballposition marking assembly to a desired object.
 23. The golf ballposition marking assembly of claim 19 wherein the top section and thebottom section define a groove (67) at their exterior intersection, andfurther comprising a clip (56), at least a portion of the clip beinglocated within the groove, the clip being a shower ring and being toattach the golf ball position marking assembly to a desired object. 24.The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 19 and furthercomprising an adhesive (31) to hold the insert within the second recess.25. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 19 wherein the bodyhas a top section (91) and a bottom section (92) attached to the topsection, the top section having the first, second and third surfaces andthe first and second recesses, and the top section and the bottomsection being bound together.
 26. A golf ball position marking assembly(10), comprising: a body having a top section (91) and a bottom section(92) attached to the top section, the top section comprising a firstsurface (11), a support (63) having a second surface (13), the secondsurface being higher with respect to the first surface, a recess (53)beneath the second surface, and a hole (96) connecting the secondsurface to the recess, and the bottom section comprising a first surface(17B) and a support (15) having a second surface (15A), the secondsurface being higher with respect to the first surface, the supporthaving a hole (43) of a predetermined depth defined therein; and aretainer (27) being at least partially within the recess and also beingat least partially above the second surface of the bottom section, theretainer having a hole (59) defined therein which extends through theretainer; a subcarrier assembly (37) having a subcarrier (35) and aninsert (18), the subcarrier having a recess (57) in the top surface(48), and having a post (33) of a predetermined length extending fromthe bottom of the subcarrier, and the insert being at least one of amagnet or a magnetic material, the insert being held at least partiallywithin the recess of the subcarrier; and a marker (36), the marker beingat least one of a magnet or a magnetic material so as to be attracted tothe insert, the marker being removably held against the subcarrierassembly by the insert; wherein the post goes through the holeconnecting the second surface to the recess, through the hole in theretainer, and at least into the hole in the support, the retainergripping the post to hold the subcarrier assembly to the body.
 27. Thegolf ball position marking assembly of claim 26 wherein the bottomsection further comprises an extended area (21) having a hole (130)defined therein for removably attaching the golf ball position markingassembly to a desired object.
 28. The golf ball position markingassembly of claim 26 wherein the top section and the bottom sectiondefine a groove (67) at their exterior intersection.
 29. The golf ballposition marking assembly of claim 26 wherein the top section and thebottom section define a groove (67) at their exterior intersection, andfurther comprising a clip (56), at least a portion of the clip beinglocated within the groove, the clip being to attach the golf ballposition marking assembly to a desired object.
 30. The golf ballposition marking assembly of claim 26 wherein the top section and thebottom section define a groove (67) at their exterior intersection, andfurther comprising a clip (56), at least a portion of the clip beinglocated within the groove, the clip being a shower ring and being toattach the golf ball position marking assembly to a desired object. 31.The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 26 wherein thesubcarrier assembly further comprises an adhesive for bonding the insertto the subcarrier.
 32. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim26 wherein an object (41) is to be attached to the assembly, the objecthaving a hole (49) therein for attachment; and wherein the height of thesupport (63) is selected to accommodate the depth of the object; andwherein at least one of the radius and shape of the support are selectedto allow the support to go into the hole in the object.
 33. The golfball position marking assembly of claim 26 wherein an object (41) is tobe attached to the assembly, the object having a hole (49) therein forattachment; and wherein the height of the support (63) is selected toaccommodate the depth of the object; and wherein at least one of theradius and shape of the support are selected to allow the support to gointo the hole in the object, and at least of the radius and shape of thesubcarrier are selected to hold at least part of the object between thesubcarrier and the body.
 34. A golf ball position marking assembly (10),comprising: a body having a top section (91) and a bottom section (92)attached to the top section, the top section comprising a first surface(11), a second surface (93), the second surface being lower with respectto the first surface to form a first recess (34), a second recess (53)beneath the second surface, and a hole (96) connecting the first recessto the second recess, and the bottom section comprising an inner surface(17B), a bottom surface (19), and a hole (43) connecting the innersurface to the bottom surface; a retainer (27) being at least partiallywithin the recess and having a hole (59) defined therein which extendsthrough the retainer; a subcarrier assembly (37) having a subcarrier(35) and an insert (18), the subcarrier having a recess (57) in the topsurface (48), and having a post (33) of a predetermined length extendingfrom the bottom of the subcarrier, and the insert being at least one ofa magnet or a magnetic material, the insert being held at leastpartially within the recess of the subcarrier; and a marker (36), themarker being at least one of a magnet or a magnetic material so as to beattracted to the insert, the marker being removably held against thesubcarrier assembly by the insert; wherein the post goes through thehole connecting the first recess to the second recess, through the holein the retainer, and at least into the hole in the bottom section, theretainer gripping the post to hold the subcarrier assembly to the body.35. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 34 wherein thebottom section further comprises an extended area (21) having a hole(130) defined therein for removably attaching the golf ball positionmarking assembly to a desired object.
 36. The golf ball position markingassembly of claim 34 wherein the top section and the bottom sectiondefine a groove (67) at their exterior intersection.
 37. The golf ballposition marking assembly of claim 34 wherein the top section and thebottom section define a groove (67) at their exterior intersection, andfurther comprising a clip (56), at least a portion of the clip beinglocated within the groove, the clip being to attach the golf ballposition marking assembly to a desired object.
 38. The golf ballposition marking assembly of claim 34 wherein the top section and thebottom section define a groove (67) at their exterior intersection, andfurther comprising a clip (56), at least a portion of the clip beinglocated within the groove, the clip being a shower ring and being toattach the golf ball position marking assembly to a desired object. 39.The golf ball position marking assembly of claim 34 wherein thesubcarrier assembly further comprises an adhesive for bonding the insertto the subcarrier.
 40. The golf ball position marking assembly of claim34 wherein the bottom section further comprises a concave area (45)surrounding the hole through the bottom surface to allow the post of thesubcarrier to be pushed upward to loosen the subcarrier from the body.